Four major kinds of rituals practiced in Confucianism
In Confucianism, rituals contain a very important mission, because they help to keep and unite all parts of the universe (Oxtoby & Amore 266-270). However, despite other religions, Confucianism does not have a strong range of rituals that people have to follow every day. Four major kinds of rituals practiced in Confucianism are four life stages: birth, reaching maturity, marriage, and death.
Birth as the first stage of human life is supported by rituals that have to protect the woman and her child. Mother has a special diet and other family members help her to be healthy. In the first, fourth, and twelfth months of child family members give presents for the child.
Reaching maturity includes such rituals as a group meal where a young adult has to prepare chicken.
Marriage includes several steps such as a proposal when the future couple has to exchange their dates, including date of birth, engagement, dowry, procession, marriage, and reception. Every special day has its own set of rules and rituals that should be followed to have a strong family.
Death is the last stage of life that supports by such rituals as mourning and crying to inform neighbors who bring money and incense. After the ceremony, family members prepare a special altar.
The teaching of no-self in Buddhism
The teaching of no-self is one of the key principles of Buddhism indicates that human existence is the illusion of permanent. Therefore, people should not be concentrated on their physical conditions and body which is only part of the human essence. For Buddhists, people have to be free, believing in reborn, reincarnation and do not get accustomed to various things around them. Man is not a separated creation; man exists only in cooperation with nature as the inseparable structure. Therefore, it is impossible to consider oneself as an independent structure that can exist without others. Nature changes and the world can move on without a particular person and any “I” cannot prevent it. For Buddhists, to be a part of nature physically and spiritually is the same as to be a part of an eternal universe. Everyone should be free of the concrete experience or attachment, comprehending that permanence of life and selfish desires do not have any reason.
Works Cited:
Oxtoby, Willard G., and R. C. Amore. World Religions: Eastern traditions. 3rd ed. 2010. Ontario, Canada: Oxford University Press. Print.